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Tail-Wheel Aircraft Noses Over After Pilot Mistakenly Applies Brake (N1147B)

Millbrook, NY, US

On November 4, 2001, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1147B) operated by Lee Kessler was involved in an aviation accident near Millbrook, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal during the landing roll-out. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll-out on runway 17, a tail-wheeled airplane nosed over after the pilot accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal while compensating for a wind gust.

Accident Details

While landing on runway 17, a tail-wheeled airplane encountered a gust of wind during the landing roll-out, causing the tail to move to the left. To compensate, the pilot applied full left rudder followed by "hard" right rudder. However, in the process, the pilot accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal. This caused the airplane to slowly nose over.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the aircraft. The winds at the time of the incident were from 270 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots.

Sequence of Events

  • The aircraft touched down on runway 17 and began the landing roll-out.
  • A gust of wind from the left moved the tail to the left.
  • The pilot applied full left rudder to counter the movement.
  • Subsequently, the pilot applied "hard" right rudder input but inadvertently pressed the right brake pedal instead.
  • The right brake application caused the aircraft to pitch forward and slowly nose over.

The accident resulted in damage to the aircraft from the nose-over, though the extent of damage was not specified in the report.

Probable cause

The pilot accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal during the landing roll-out.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Nov 2001 Luscombe 8A accident near Millbrook, NY?

During landing roll-out on runway 17, a tail-wheeled airplane nosed over after the pilot accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal while compensating for a wind gust.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Nov 2001 Luscombe 8A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Nov 2001 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N1147B, operated by Lee Kessler, at Millbrook, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot accidentally activated the right brake instead of the right rudder pedal during the landing roll-out.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011119X02263. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.